Day 30 of thanks: going the distance

Day 30 of thanks: going the distance. Somewhere along the line I quit counting weeks out from my surgery and it hit me this race might be longer than I planned ...and that is pretty sweet. The sun has gone down and the loom has gone up and long ago somebody left with the cup.

Day 28 of thanks: Two hearts

Day 28 of thanks: two thumb prints make a heart aka another human being's pulmonary valve inside of me. It's not something I try to think about too deeply because I just can't. I might never be able to. I think about it every day though. And it's weird.

Have a Heart Fund Raiser!

https://www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/send-money-online

email address: leilanimichel@gmail.com

You can also send a check to:

Lei Lani Michel
PO Box 2587
Reserve LA 70084

Every little bit helps! All of it goes to medical bills. 

Letting go of the illusion

Tomorrow is my last day in this phase of cardiac rehab, and it's been an emotionally and physically exhausting and motivating experience. I can now walk more than 100 yards, although slowly, and I can get around reasonably ok. I still get very very tired easily, so it's a precarious place. In May, it was super-tough to walk up a flight of stairs for my high school reunion and now I can with less effort. There's still a long way to go, and I'll go to get a stress test next week to see how my heart and lung function has improved.

I'll be entering what they call Phase 3 of cardiac rehab - it's still 3 days a week, about 2 hours each time - but now it's to concentrate on stamina and endurance with more aerobic exercises. It's such a different ballgame with congenital patients.

In a more frustrating corner of recovery, I'm also going to see if I can do cognitive therapy to help with the brain problems post-op. I'm forgetful and can tell my brain isn't doing what it's supposed to. I might not need a lot, but I want to get tested for what feels like the pump-head syndrome - but I figure it will take time for everything to come online. There's a lot of changes that are happening, and the most awesome Riki Thompson gave me such good advice this week --> let go of the illusion.

That is, let go of trying be where I think I should be or where I want to be and don't find comfort in the illusion of it...but to be present and alive in what is happening now. ♥

Hurricane Isaac - Light, heart, and tears

Here is a video I made showing the emotional feeling after Hurricane Isaac. The music is an original composition by my brother-in-law, Chris Bogen. It's peaceful and haunting, and you can see more of his work at solderkong. I'm still working through all of the emotions. Don't have the words yet.

Hurricane Isaac - LaPlace and Reserve - we believe

There are no words right now to explain the emotions surrounding the flooding of Reserve and LaPlace of St. John the Baptist Parish in south Louisiana after Hurricane Isaac. I made this video to celebrate the strength of our parish!

Cajun Heart Home

This is a picture of my Dad's camp in Garyville, Louisiana. It's the heart of the swamp and a place close to my heart.